Mormon Judge, Lawyer Quit Case After Religious Roles Are Questioned

A rare controversy about leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held by a judge and lawyer has caused both to exit a case involving Health Plan of Nevada.

Gerald Gillock, the attorney for two men who contracted hepatitis C at the hands of Dr. Dipak Desai while covered by the HMO, requested Clark County District Judge Douglas Smith’s disqualification after alleging Mark Hutchison, who was representing the HMO, held a position of authority over Smith within the Mormon church.